WEEI: The Resilient Pioneer of Boston Radio Market

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The collection of networks and affiliates filling the Boston radio market, has consistently changed over time, due to different factors in the entertainment industry. WEEI has been one of the few radio stations, that has found consistent success, despite facing numerous changes. While most stations have opted to settle down in either FM or AM radio, WEEI is continuing to make an impact on both ends. Both frequencies offer different programing, so listeners can tune into local hosts, or nationally syndicated shows from other sports networks like ESPN. When examining other radio stations, a majority of them lack the history and progression WEEI has endured, while transforming into what it is today.
Compared to most entertainment industries, radio has a lengthy history of innovation and historical significance. WEEI was first placed on the air by its original owner, Edison Electric Illuminating Company of Boston, on September 29th, 1924. Despite the station making its debut on air, WEEI struggled to find a consistent frequency until settling at 590 AM, in 1927. WEEI ended up becoming a charter member of NBC Red Network as the station …show more content…

The Celtics failed to consistently remain with WEEI, leaving and rejoining the station three times, before settling in with 98.5 the Sports Hub in 2013. It seemed like the Bruins were destined to return to WEEI after their contracts expired at other networks, but both failed to complete a deal. There were significant complications between owning the Celtics and Bruins rights, because it meant one side was consistently moving their broadcast to another frequency. It was only the Red Sox who remained with WEEI, and the station began to form their brand around these rights. WEEI has become known as “the home of the Boston Red Sox”, broadcasting not only every regular season game, but also a single spring training game, each day in

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